What You Should Know

Most people like to celebrate during the holidays by drinking, but we often put ourselves and others at risk because we aren’t aware of how alcohol affects us. Alcohol impairs decision-making ability and our driving skills long before we show physical signs of intoxication. Did you know that one 5-ounce glass of wine can take…

There’s an old Portuguese proverb that has deep relevance to the work of United Way. And, over the last few years, as United Way of Western Connecticut (UWWC) has focused their work on hard-working, struggling households called ALICE® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), that proverb has taken on new meaning. “A caridade bem ordenada, por…

One of the injuries that I see increase in frequency during the winter months are foot and ankle fractures. Slippery conditions can trigger a fall, which is the usual cause of these injuries. Not only do falls occur during snowstorms or ice storms, but the snow or ice that gets left behind on sidewalks and…

It’s estimated that more than 55,000 Americans die each year from a drug overdose, which has become the leading cause of death among individuals under the age of 50. Sixty percent of these deaths are caused by opioids. The rise in fatalities over the past 15 years has been staggering – a greater than three-fold…

I often hear from my patients about the health assessment done at milestone years, such as colonoscopies, mammograms, blood tests, stress tests, PSA testing and the list goes on and on. The purpose of this testing is early detection of disease and disease prevention but I have learned some sobering facts about the effectiveness, or…

The history of Lyme disease in Connecticut began in 1975 when a cluster of children and adults residing in the Old Lyme area experienced uncommon arthritic symptoms. By 1988, the news of Lyme disease spread and national media attention began. Lyme has now spread to almost every state in the United States, with most cases occurring…

Due to the mild winter, scientists feel this will be a banner year during tick and mosquito season. With this thought in mind, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) offers the following advice. Keep mosquitoes and ticks from bugging you this summer by taking steps to prevent bites. Summer is a great time for children…

Connecticut is in a difficult economic time. Our current state budget has a deficit gap in the billions of dollars and conversations on a new, more balanced, budget for 2018 and 2019 have generated little in the way of consensus. However, we cannot afford to make short-sighted budget decisions that cost more in the long…

People these days tend to assume that they are more informed than they were in the past. The Internet has made it easy and fast to get information. Medications are one of the things that we still need to take the extra step and ask hard questions about. In order to protect yourself, it is…

Summer is quickly approaching, so whether it’s fun in the sun or indoor activities, AARP members and guests can enjoy great local offers on admission to a variety of Connecticut museums and cultural attractions, local theater and musical performances. AARP Connecticut offers members terrific year-round opportunities to save money and connect them with people and…

Did you know that most Americans don’t have great health? Many people feel tired, in pain, and have allergies or digestive troubles. Also, lots of money is being spent on medications to control blood pressure and cholesterol, and even problems like depression and anxiety. All of these difficulties lead to one thing, unhappiness and suffering…

Danbury Public Schools’ administration feels that ongoing communication is the key to developing partnerships within the community. After the April Board of Education meeting, many questions were raised about the later start of next year’s school calendar, on Tuesday, Sept. 5. Many families are concerned how this will impact their summer activities and child care,…

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you know that the months when your allergen is most active in the air can be the most awful time of the year. But allergies are unique to each individual, so a seasonal allergy sufferer can actually experience the worst symptoms any time of the year. Here is a…

You have signed up for the Do Not Call list and still receive those unfamiliar calls from Texas, Wisconsin, California or “ID unknown,” trying to scam you or sell you something that you do not need. There are simple changes you can make to stop annoying telemarketers, automated callers or scammers, including making sure all…

The Danbury Police Department has received several reports of a person posing as a “health inspector” for the City of Danbury and charging businesses for inspections. The male caller will call unsuspecting businesses and identify himself as a city of Danbury Health Inspector and demand credit card prepayments over the phone for an inspection that…

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan social mission organization with a membership of 612,000 in Connecticut. An organization with a membership that large and diverse must have a mission and vision to match. Our mission at AARP is to enhance the quality of life for all as we age. We champion positive social change and deliver…

According to a study last year out of the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, when healthy adults under age 65 get a flu shot, there’s a good chance they may also be helping older adults in their communities avoid the flu as well. Researchers are finding the odds of having a flu-related illness were 21 percent lower among…

The lack of job-readiness among college graduates is in the news a lot lately. Study after study finds that student expectations exceed the reality when it comes to finding that first job. With a bachelor’s degree in hand, many graduates are poorly prepared for the job market. They’re also saddled with high debt and no way to…

At a private reception at Norwalk Hospital on November 16, Western Connecticut Health Network (WCHN) announced the creation of the Christian J. Trefz Family Endowed Chair in Global Health, the first of its kind in the State of Connecticut and one of only a few hospital-based endowed global health chairs in the nation. At the…

Volkswagen is a trustworthy name with consumers worldwide. Translated as the “People’s Car,” Volkswagen has become a car brand customers around the world have chosen for many years. Globally, it has been a pioneer not only in product advancements, but also in social responsibility and environmental objectives. In Brazil, the Volkswagen Foundation was founded thirty-five…

The holidays can be the most wonderful time of year… or the saddest. According to the National Institutes of Health, there is a high incidence of depression during December’s holiday season. Infertility patients often face added sadness during holiday season. What makes the holidays more difficult than other times of the year? Interactions with friends and family during this time of year can be difficult for several reasons. First, families and friends may announce, “We are pregnant.” Even infertility patients feel…

Whenever I go out for a girls’ night, it seems the same questions are asked of me: How are the kids doing in school? How is the husband? When is Newtown MediSpa running specials? The last question is unique to me, being the owner of Newtown MediSpa. It is also a question that I hear more often as more people are…

At Grace Medical Aesthetics, we love a good skincare routine. Each decade brings new change in all aspects of life, including your skin. Some quick tips to keep your skin healthy as you being your journey into aging gracefully… If treated correctly and early, fine lines are a breeze. Products with retinol, or vitamin A, can significantly reduce the look…

Excitement and dread are common feelings for both children and parents when back-to-school season arrives. No matter how much they look forward to seeing friends and wearing a new school wardrobe, children are often afraid of the changes a new school year brings. Fortunately, parents can do a lot to ease the transition from summer to school. Establish a routine. While summer is in…

If you’ve been in an auto accident, your natural response is probably to call your insurance company. After all, you pay premiums to help cover any losses you sustain in an accident and your insurer is there to protect you, right? Maybe. It’s not at all unusual for policyholders to find themselves fighting with insurance…

Even in a tight job market, several careers stand out for young people entering the work force or those pivoting from other vocations. Students who want to pursue jobs as electricians, estheticians and health care professionals – especially medical coders and medical assistants — have a good promise of getting a job, even in Connecticut’s limited market….

It’s easy to panic after an accident, but keeping a clear head and taking immediate precautions can help you down the road. Protect yourself by doing these seven things right after an accident. Seven Actions to Take After an Accident: 1. Check for injuries and call an ambulance if necessary. The absolute first thing you…

Childhood lead poisoning is the most common pediatric public health problem, yet it is entirely preventable. Once a child has been poisoned, the impairment it may cause is irreversible. Lead harms children’s nervous systems and is associated with developmental delays, learning disabilities, reduced IQ, behavioral problems and hearing loss. While lead paint in homes built…